New Delhi (NVI): At least 13 people died in a road accident at Dhupguri city of Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal last night, due to reduced visibility caused by fog.
As many as 18 people also sustained injuries in the accident and have been admitted to the hospitals in the area, according to the reports.
The incident took place when a minibus transporting wedding guests from Churabhandar Lal School to Dhupguri crashed head-on with a boulder loaded truck whose driver lost control of the vehicle due to low visibility in the area.
Reportedly, 13 persons, including two men, six women and four kids died on the spot near Jaldhaka Bridge on the national highway of West Bengal.
The driver of the truck survived the accident and has been detained, while treatment of injured at the nearby hospital is being monitored.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives, “The road accident in Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) is extremely anguishing. In this time of sadness, prayers with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon,” the PM’s Office tweeted.
The road accident in Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) is extremely anguishing. In this time of sadness, prayers with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 20, 2021
PM Modi also announced Ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PMNRF to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the accident and Rs 50,000 each would be given to those injured.
-RJV
